How to Get a Valid Job Offer from Outside Canada: The Truth About LMIA

You wake up to an email. "Congratulations! You have been selected for a job in Canada. Salary: $75,000. Visa processing included. Just pay $1,500 for the documents."

Your heart races. You think, "Finally, my Canadian dream is happening!"

Stop. Take a deep breath.

If you pay that money, you will likely never see it—or Canada—again.

In 2026, the "Fake Job Offer" industry is booming. Scammers know you are desperate to leave, and they are cashing in on your hope. But here is the good news: Real jobs do exist, and you can get one from outside Canada if you know how the system actually works.

This is your Myth-Buster Guide to the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and how to spot a fake offer a mile away.

What is an LMIA? (The Golden Ticket)

Most people think a "Job Offer Letter" is enough to get a work permit. It is not.

For most foreign workers, a job offer is worthless without an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment).

• What it is: A document that the Canadian government (ESDC) gives to the employer.

• What it proves: It proves that no Canadian worker was available to do the job, so the boss must hire a foreigner (you).

• The Rule: You cannot apply for a closed work permit without this document number.

Myth: "I can pay an agent to get me an LMIA."

Truth: Illegal. Only an employer can apply for an LMIA. If an agent asks you to pay for the LMIA fee, run. That is a crime in Canada.

The "Anatomy" of a Valid LMIA Document

Scammers love Photoshop. They will send you a fancy-looking certificate with a red seal and a maple leaf. That is usually fake.

A real positive LMIA is a boring, government-standard letter (usually Form EMP5602 or similar). It isn't a "certificate."

Here is what to check on a real LMIA:

1. Employer Name: Must match the company hiring you.

2. Job Location: Must be the actual city you will work in.

3. Expiry Date: As of May 2024, LMIAs are valid for 6 months. If the date is older, it’s expired.

4. The Decision: It must say "Positive" or "Neutral."

5. The System File Number: This is the tracking number you need for your visa application.

How to Spot a Fake Job Offer (The 5-Second Test)

You don't need to be a lawyer to spot a scam. Use this 5-second test on any email you receive.

Real Life Scenario: The "Hotel Manager" Scam

The Scam: Raj receives an offer to be a "Hotel Manager" in Toronto. The email is from [email protected]. They ask him for $850 to cover "uniform and badge fees" before he arrives.

The Reality: Big companies like Fairmont never use Hotmail. They have their own HR portals. And in Canada, it is illegal for an employer to charge you for uniforms or hiring costs. Raj almost lost $850.

Step-by-Step: How to Get a Real LMIA Job Offer

If you want to do this the right way in 2026, forget the shortcuts. Here is the path.

Step 1: Target the "Shortage" Jobs

Employers generally won't pay $1,000+ for an LMIA to hire a generic "Office Assistant." They hire where they can't find Canadians.

• Construction: Welders, Electricians, Carpenters.

• Health: Nurses, Care Aides.

• Transport: Truck Drivers.

• Agri-food: Butchers, Farm Supervisors.

Step 2: Use the "Job Bank" Filter

The Canadian Government's Job Bank has a special filter for you.

1. Go to Job Bank Canada.

2. Search for your job title.

3. Click "Advanced Search."

4. Scroll down to "Intended Applicants" and select "Canadians and International Candidates."

5. Pro Tip: Look for a verified checkmark that says, "This employer has an approved LMIA to hire a foreign worker."

Step 3: Check the "Refusal to Process" List

Before you apply, check if the job is even allowed. As of late 2024, Canada stopped processing LMIAs for "Low-Wage" jobs in cities with high unemployment (6%+).

• If you are applying to work at a Tim Hortons in downtown Toronto? Likely blocked.

• If you are applying to work at a construction site in rural Alberta? Likely open.

Internal Links (Suggestions)

• Confused about the rural rules? Read our guide on [The "Rural" Pathway: 5 Communities Hiring Now].

• Need to improve your profile? Check out [The French Advantage: How to Boost Your Score].

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I buy an LMIA if I have money?

A: NO. This is fraud. If you get caught (and they are catching people), you will be banned from Canada for 5 years for "misrepresentation." Don't risk your future for a shortcut.

Q2: My uncle in Canada has a business. Can he just give me an LMIA?

A: Maybe, but it’s not instant. He has to prove he advertised the job to Canadians for at least 4 weeks and couldn't find anyone. He also has to pay the $1,000 application fee. It is a strict legal process, not a family favor.

Q3: Does an "Open Work Permit" need an LMIA?

A: No. If you have an Open Work Permit (like a PGWP or Spousal Open Work Permit), you can work for any employer. LMIAs are only for "Closed" (employer-specific) work permits.

Q4: I got a job offer, but the employer says I need to pay for my own flight. Is that normal?

A: Yes. For "High-Wage" positions, employers don't have to pay your airfare (though some do). However, for "Low-Wage" positions, the employer must pay for your transportation to Canada and back.

References & Official Sources

Verify every offer using these official tools:

1. Job Bank (Official): Job Bank - Foreign Candidates

2. LMIA Application Verification: ESDC - What is an LMIA?

3. Report a Scam: Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre